August 1, 2026 11:16 am
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ONLINE AGE

(Online version of the Arunachal Age newspaper)

Author name: OnlineAge

Latest News, National, Popular News, State News

Govt to lift curbs on petrol, diesel sales to commercial buyers from Jul 1

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NEW DELHI : The government will lift restrictions on the sale of petrol and diesel to commercial and industrial consumers from July 1, easing emergency measures imposed to manage fuel supplies. The move will also end the cap on the diesel quantity that can be sold to a single vehicle in a day at retail fuel stations, reflecting an improvement in the country’s fuel supply situation. In an order dated June 29, the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas rescinded its June 12 directive that had capped diesel sales to a single vehicle at 200 litres a day and barred industrial, commercial and institutional consumers from purchasing petrol and diesel from retail fuel stations. The restrictions had been introduced to prevent local fuel shortages amid global supply disruptions. “The temporary measures were considered necessary and expedient in the public interest to maintain supplies of motor spirit (petrol) and high speed diesel…and secure their equitable distribution and availability at fair prices,” the June 29 order said. After a review of the prevailing supply situation of petroleum products in the country, the ministry said it is “satisfied” that it is no longer necessary in the public interest to continue with the June 12 order. “Therefore, in exercise of powers conferred by clause 3 of the Motor Spirit and High Speed Diesel (Temporary Regulation of Supply through Retail Outlets) Order, 2026, the Central Government hereby withdraws its Order of even number dated 12th June, 2026 with effect from 1st July, 2026,” it said. The move follows an improvement in crude oil and fuel supplies from Gulf producers after tensions in the region eased, allowing energy shipments through the Strait of Hormuz to resume. On June 12, the government had ordered that retail outlets could sell diesel only into a vehicle tank or PESO-approved container, and not more than 200 litres per customer or vehicle per day. Also, industrial, commercial and institutional consumers were no longer allowed to buy petrol or diesel from retail outlets. They must source their fuel from their own consumer pumps. The restrictions, which were put in place for up to 90 days, followed abnormal demand growth, particularly that of diesel, in some pockets after bulk users started buying fuel from petrol pumps due to the pricing difference. While diesel at petrol pumps costs Rs 95.20 a litre in Delhi, bulk sales are priced at Rs 134.50. The differential arose as state-owned oil companies modulated retail prices to insulate common users from the spike in cost that followed the West Asia crisis in late February. While bulk users, such as telecom towers and industries using diesel for power generation and other feedstock needs, are charged market price, the retail pump rates are way lower than the cost. Commercial customers like trucking companies and state road transport buses, too, had been tapping pumps for their needs, resulting in an abnormal rise in demand in some pockets. The government eased the restrictions after crude oil and fuel supplies from Gulf producers improved following a de-escalation of tensions in West Asia, which enabled normal shipping through the Strait of Hormuz to resume. The ministry, on June 12, issued the Motor Spirit and High Speed Diesel (Temporary Regulation of Supply through Retail Outlets) Order, 2026, directing fuel retailers and oil marketing companies to curb bulk purchases from retail outlets for periods of up to 90 days at a time. Later, the ministry, in a statement, said it has withdrawn temporary restrictions on the sale and distribution of petrol and diesel from July 1 after reviewing domestic fuel supplies and concluding that emergency measures imposed earlier this month are no longer needed. The curbs were introduced after the West Asia conflict disrupted global energy markets. While the government kept domestic retail fuel prices unchanged despite a sharp rise in international prices, the resulting gap between retail and bulk fuel prices prompted some commercial users to shift purchases to retail outlets. “The measures were aimed at preventing black marketing, hoarding and diversion of diesel while ensuring uninterrupted availability of petrol and diesel to retail consumers,” the statement said. “Following a review of the supply situation of petroleum products in the country, the Government has concluded that the temporary regulatory measures are no longer required in the public interest. Accordingly, the Order dated 12th June, 2026, stands withdrawn with effect from 1st July, 2026.” It said the restrictions ensured adequate nationwide supplies of petrol and diesel during the disruption. Their withdrawal reflects an improvement in the domestic supply situation and the restoration of normal fuel distribution arrangements. The order takes effect from July 1. (Source: PTI)          

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Child labour inspection drive

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AALO : The West Siang District Task Force (DTF) on Child and Adolescent Labour conducted a three-day inspection drive across Aalo township as part of the Pan-India Rescue and Rehabilitation Campaign 4.0 initiated by the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR). The drive aimed to identify and prevent child and adolescent labour through inspections of commercial establishments across the township. During the operation, the team inspected hotels, restaurants, shops and other commercial establishments in major business areas, including Old and New Market, Paktu, Gumin Nagar, Yojyora, Siyom Colony and the Hissam area. The district administration said establishments found violating the relevant provisions have been directed to appear before the Child Welfare Committee (CWC) Court for further legal proceedings. The inspections were led by West Siang District Labour Officer-cum-DTF Nodal Officer Aseng Pertin and District Child Protection Officer (DCPO), with support from police personnel and representatives of the Arunachal Pradesh Women’s Welfare Society (APWWS) and Mother’s Vision. The district task force reiterated its commitment to protecting children from exploitation and ensuring strict enforcement of child labour laws across the district. (DIPR)

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Two NSCN-K cadres surrender

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ITANAGAR : Two cadres of the NSCN-K (Nikki Sumi) faction surrendered before security forces in Tirap district of Arunachal Pradesh, an official statement said here on Monday. The cadres laid down arms before the Assam Rifles and Tirap Police on Sunday, the statement said. Two pistols, eight live rounds, mobile phones and other items were recovered from their possession. The operation was carried out by the Khonsa Battalion of the Assam Rifles based on specific intelligence inputs about the presence of insurgents in the area. During the operation, the two cadres voluntarily laid down their arms before the security forces. The surrendered rebels were identified as self-styled lieutenant Longmo Konyak (32), a resident of Phomching in Nagaland’s Mon district, and self-styled sergeant major Naikai Wangsu (23), a resident of Chanu village in Longding district of the state. Security forces recovered two pistols with magazines, eight live rounds, two mobile phones with SIM cards and an Aadhaar card during the surrender. The surrendered cadres, along with the recovered arms and other items, were handed over to Khonsa Police for legal formalities and further action under the government’s rehabilitation policy for surrendered insurgents. Assam Rifles officials said that the surrender reflects the success of sustained intelligence-based operations and close coordination with Tirap Police to encourage insurgents to return to the mainstream. It also indicates growing confidence among local cadres in the government’s rehabilitation initiatives. The Assam Rifles reiterated its commitment to maintaining peace and security in the region while continuing efforts to motivate more insurgents to shun violence and join the path of peace and development. (Source: PTI/DIPR)      

National, REGIONAL

16,000 people hit in Assam’s Dhemaji as floods damage rail bridge

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NEW DELHI : Heavy rain and riverbank erosion damaged a railway bridge pier in Assam’s Dhemaji district, forcing the Northeast Frontier Railway to suspend train movement on the Murkongselek-Silapathar section until further notice. The disruption came as floods worsened in Dhemaji, where nearly 16,000 people across 69 villages in four revenue circles have been affected. No train was damaged and no injuries were reported because train movement had already been halted due to the flood situation. Railway officials said trains on the route would be short-terminated and short-originated from Silapathar. Buses have been arranged to move passengers between Murkongselek and Silapathar, and help desks have been opened at Dhemaji, Silapathar and Murkongselek stations. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said the state government was mobilising resources for immediate relief and long-term rehabilitation. He directed Water Resources Minister Susanta Borgohain and Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Keshab Mahanta to stay in Dhemaji and supervise rescue and relief operations. The latest disruption adds to a wider flood and landslide crisis across the Northeast. In Arunachal Pradesh, flash floods and landslides earlier this month cut road links, forced helicopter evacuations and left four people missing in Keyi Panyor district. The IMD has warned that heavy rain is likely to continue over parts of the region, keeping rescue teams, district administrations, NDRF, SDRF and fire services on alert for further flooding, landslides and transport disruption. (Source: PTI)    

REGIONAL

Manipur DGP calls for speedy disposal of cases, ops against anti-national elements, drug traffickers

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IMPHAL : Manipur DGP Rajiv Singh on Monday asked police officers and security forces to ensure effective investigation, speedy disposal of cases, sustained operations against anti-national elements and drug traffickers, and intensified efforts to seize illegal arms and ammunition. The director general of police (DGP) issued the directions during visits to Kakching and Chandel districts to review security preparedness, policing and departmental welfare, according to a police statement. At Kakching, Singh reviewed the preparedness of the district police to prevent any untoward incidents in vulnerable areas during the ongoing farming season. He interacted with officers of the district police, Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) and central agencies, and stressed the need for effective investigation, speedy disposal of cases and sustained operations against anti-national elements and drug traffickers. He also called for intensified efforts to seize illegal arms and ammunition. Singh said that officers and personnel displaying exemplary professionalism would be suitably rewarded. At the headquarters of the 8th Manipur Rifles at Leikun in Chandel district, the DGP chaired a review meeting on deployment at various posts and outposts, static guards, and law and order duties. He emphasised professionalism, discipline and healthy work practices, while encouraging officers and personnel to maintain a harmonious environment within the unit. The DGP also urged officers to explore innovative ways for the optimum utilisation of the unit’s land and other resources for departmental welfare. Singh held interaction sessions with officers of the district police, representatives of civil society organisations (CSOs) and the Assam Rifles in Chandel district. During the meetings, he reviewed policing issues, emphasised professional and people-centric policing, appreciated the coordination between the district police and CSOs in maintaining peace and harmony, and underscored the importance of continued inter-agency cooperation. He also encouraged the youth of Chandel to participate in the forthcoming Manipur Police recruitment rally. (Source: PTI)    

REGIONAL

SIR of voter lists in Meghalaya to begin from Jun 30: Officials

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SHILLONG : The house-to-house verification of voters under the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls will commence across Meghalaya from Tuesday, officials said. Booth-level officers (BLOs) will visit households in all constituencies from June 30 to July 29 to distribute self-enumeration forms to voters whose names appeared in the 2005 electoral rolls, which the Election Commission has adopted as the baseline, they said. East Khasi Hills Deputy Commissioner Abhilash Baranwal appealed to voters to participate in the exercise, asserting that the objective of the revision is “to include, not exclude”. “The message and the request to all the electors is to take this exercise very seriously,” he told reporters. The door-to-door survey will conclude on July 29, and the draft electoral roll will be published on August 5. After that, claims and objections can be filed by the voters and political parties from August 5 to September 4. The district administration has also enabled online submission of self-enumeration forms through the EC website, and set up helplines to assist voters, Baranwal said. He said eligible voters who have attained the age of 18 can apply for enrolment by submitting Form 6 during the verification process. The district has 1,021 polling stations and an equal number of BLOs deployed for the exercise, the officials said. Commenting on reported voter exclusions in some other states, the deputy commissioner said the administration is working with headmen and community representatives to build confidence among electors. (Source: PTI)              

Editorial

If a passport doesn’t prove citizenship, what does?

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For most Indians, the passport has long stood as the gold standard of identity — a document issued only after police verification, address checks and a government attestation that its holder is a citizen. So when the MEA declared on Passport Seva Divas that the passport does not, by itself, establish citizenship, the reaction was less legal nuance and more public alarm. If a document obtained through months of scrutiny under the Passports Act, 1967 — which explicitly bars issuance to non-citizens — isn’t proof enough, citizens are entitled to ask what is. The trouble is, no one in government has been willing to answer that. The Union home ministry has twice declined in Parliament to specify which documents count as valid proof of citizenship, instead pointing vaguely to the Citizenship Act, 1955. The Election Commission’s Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls — which has already led to the deletion of crores of names from voter lists — initially listed eleven documents for citizenship verification, excluding Aadhaar, voter ID, ration cards and PAN cards, before the Supreme Court forced Aadhaar’s grudging inclusion as proof of identity alone. The Supreme Court itself has said the EC cannot adjudicate citizenship, even as it allows the EC to set the very documentary bar by which citizenship gets tested. Into this already murky picture, the MEA has now placed the passport itself in doubt. This is not merely a semantic dispute. Opposition leaders, lawyers and ordinary citizens have a legitimate practical worry: in a country with no citizenship card and a growing machinery of exclusion-by-document, ambiguity is not a neutral, technical gap — it is a lever. A booth-level officer empowered to doubt a passport-holder’s citizenship, with no clear standard to apply, is a recipe for arbitrary disenfranchisement, particularly for the poor, the rural, and those without the resources to fight a bureaucratic challenge. The legal point being made is not wrong: a passport, like Aadhaar or a ration card, is evidence that authorities once believed something about a person, not a permanent judicial finding. India genuinely lacks a single, conclusive “citizenship certificate” for most of its 1.4 billion people, and the law was never designed to require one for daily life. But that is precisely why the way out cannot be more disclaimers. It requires the government to do three things it has so far avoided. First, define — in law, not in anonymous official remarks — a clear hierarchy of documents, with birth and parentage records treated as primary, and widely-held IDs like passports and long-held Aadhaar enrolment treated as strong corroborative evidence that shifts the burden of proof onto the state, not the citizen. Second, codify the principle several courts have already endorsed: that a person should be presumed a citizen unless the state proves otherwise, rather than the reverse. Third, build fast, accessible appeal mechanisms before any document-based exclusion — from voter rolls or anywhere else — takes effect, not after. The government is entitled to draw fine legal distinctions. It is not entitled to draw them and then walk away, leaving citizens to discover, document in hand, is no good  to prove  their citizenship. (Source: The Pioneer)

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10 districts hit by floods; toll rises to 3 in Keyi Panyor

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ITANAGAR : The toll in the rain-triggered flash flood in Keyi Panyor rose to three on Sunday after the body of a man was found in adjoining Papum Pare district, as search and rescue operations were underway, officials said. Floods and landslides caused by incessant rainfall were also reported in several other parts of Arunachal Pradesh, where houses were inundated and infrastructure damaged, prompting the local administrations to launch rescue and evacuation operations, they said. Ten districts — Keyi Panyor, Papum Pare, Kra Daadi, Kurung Kumey, Lower Subansiri, Kamle, Upper Subansiri, East Siang, Leparada and Lower Siang– have been affected by the rain fury, the officials said. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) also forecast the possibility of more than 200 mm of rainfall in parts of Arunachal Pradesh over the next 24 hours till Monday morning, prompting the state government to issue an alert and urge people to remain vigilant. The body of Saurabh Kumar Kharwar was found near Hawa Camp, which is around 35 km from flood-hit Poosa in Keyi Panyor district, State Disaster Management Secretary Dani Sulu said, adding a rescue team has been dispatched to retrieve the mortal remains. Five people went missing after a flash flood, triggered by incessant rainfall, struck Keyi Panyor district on Wednesday morning. With the latest recovery, three people have been confirmed dead, while two others remain missing. The body of a 35-year-old woman was recovered on Wednesday, while another woman’s body was found on Saturday. Search operations entered the fifth day on Sunday, with a rescue team using rafts from the dam side of the Panyor Lower Hydroelectric Project and another ground team searching for the two missing persons who were swept away from the NEEPCO Colony, another official said. Relief and rescue efforts have also been intensified in the affected region. An additional 23 personnel from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) left for Keyi Panyor district on Sunday to strengthen ongoing search-and-rescue operations, he said. The Indian Red Cross Society, Arunachal Pradesh State Branch, is also sending relief materials to the flood-hit area. The supplies are scheduled to be airlifted from Naharlagun helipad to Possa via Ziro by an MI-17 civil aviation helicopter, subject to favourable weather conditions, the officials said. The State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) has not received any fresh requisition for additional personnel, and its existing deployment in Keyi Panyor remains unchanged, they said. The flash flood devastated the NEEPCO Colony at Poosa, damaging houses, disrupting road connectivity and triggering landslides at several locations. According to preliminary estimates, around 30 houses were completely damaged or washed away at the NEEPCO Colony, while another 10 houses were destroyed and 14 partially damaged in the Possa and Pitapool areas. A total of 128 households have been affected in the district. A relief camp has been set up on the NEEPCO campus, where 60 displaced people are currently taking shelter. In East Siang district, floodwaters inundated at least 10 houses in the Ledum area, with one almost completely submerged as the water flow changed its course following continuous rain, an official report said. Two cattle were swept away, while a community toilet and a rice mill were on the verge of being submerged. Three shops were also damaged by the flood, it said. As a precautionary measure, residents of around 12 houses in the affected area were evacuated to safer places. The displaced families have taken shelter at their relatives’ houses, while a community Dere (Prayer Hall) has been identified as a relief shelter. No casualties or missing persons have been reported so far. A vital bridge in the area also collapsed due to the flood, disrupting connectivity, the officials said. Meanwhile, rescue teams carried out three separate operations at Pasighat and in other parts of East Siang district, rescuing a total of 24 people, including eight labourers. The operations were conducted at Yapgo and Oyan, with all those stranded brought to safety. In Lower Siang district, a massive landslide at Siji blocked the flow of the Siji river near the Likabali checkpost between Siji and Magi, leading to the accumulation of water in the upstream. The authorities concerned warned of a potential threat to life and property in downstream areas, and police personnel have been deployed to alert people living on the riverbanks to move to safer locations. The State Disaster Management Department said the IMD has warned of heavy to extremely heavy rainfall across several parts of the state, raising the likelihood of flash floods, landslides and waterlogging in vulnerable areas. According to the Meteorological Centre at Itanagar, West Kameng, Lower Subansiri, East Siang, Papum Pare, Lepa Rada, Lower Siang, West Siang and Lower Dibang Valley are likely to receive heavy rainfall (6-11 cm in 24 hours) at isolated places on Monday and Tuesday. The weather forecast also indicates that thunderstorms accompanied by lightning are likely over many parts of the state during the period, increasing the risk of localised flooding, landslides and disruption of road connectivity in vulnerable areas. The IMD has advised residents, particularly those living in flood- and landslide-prone areas, to remain vigilant and avoid unnecessary travel during periods of intense rainfall. (Source: PTI)    

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Heavy rain triggers fresh flood alert across Arunachal

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ITANAGAR : Heavy rainfall battered East Siang, Lower Siang and Lepa Rada districts on Sunday, inundating low-lying areas, disrupting normal life and snapping road connectivity in several parts of the state, even as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) warned of more heavy to extremely heavy rainfall over the next 24 hours. Heavy showers lashed Pasighat and adjoining areas throughout the day, leading to waterlogging and a sharp rise in the water levels of rivers and streams. Fresh landslides blocked key roads connecting East Siang with neighbouring districts. According to the road status issued at 6 pm, the Pasighat-Pangin-Aalo road and the Likabali-Basar-Aalo road were blocked due to landslides and incessant rain, as confirmed by the deputy commissioners of East Siang and Lepa Rada districts. In East Siang district, flooding at Ledum village inundated at least 10 houses, with one house almost completely submerged. Two cattle were swept away, while a community toilet, a rice mill and three shops suffered damage. Around 12 houses located in vulnerable areas were evacuated as a precaution, officials said. No casualties or missing persons were reported. Evacuated families have taken shelter with relatives, while the community hall has been kept ready as a relief shelter. The State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) carried out three rescue operations during the day, rescuing 24 people, including eight labourers, from flood-hit areas in Yapgo and Oyan. All those rescued were reported safe. Meanwhile, authorities issued an urgent public safety alert in Lower Siang district after a massive landslide blocked the flow of the Siji River near the Siji-Magi block point, creating a temporary natural dam. Officials warned that a sudden breach of the blockage could trigger a devastating flash flood downstream, threatening lives, houses, livestock, roads and bridges. Police and district officials have alerted residents living along the Siji River and downstream areas, including parts of neighbouring Assam, to stay away from riverbanks, remain prepared for evacuation and report any sudden changes in water levels. The latest weather-related disruptions came just days after flash floods devastated Keyi Panyor district, where search, rescue and relief operations are continuing following multiple deaths, missing persons and widespread destruction. The IMD has forecast the possibility of more than 200 mm of rainfall in parts of the state over the next 24 hours. State disaster management authorities have asked all district administrations and emergency response agencies to remain on high alert for flash floods, landslides, river overflows and other rain-related emergencies. Residents, particularly those living in landslide-prone and low-lying areas, have been advised to avoid unnecessary travel and strictly follow official advisories.    

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MP Tai Tagak contributes Rs 7 lakh for Possa flood relief

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ITANAGAR : Rajya Sabha MP Tai Tagak has contributed Rs 7 lakh towards relief and rehabilitation efforts for victims of the recent flash floods in Possa in Keyi Panyor district, officials said on Sunday. The financial assistance was handed over on the MP’s behalf by Nada Buda and Tai Arun to Keyi Panyor Sub-Divisional Officer (SDO) Tajing Padung to support ongoing rescue, relief and rehabilitation measures for the affected families. Expressing grief over the loss of lives in the disaster, Tagak conveyed his condolences to the bereaved families and wished a speedy recovery to those injured in the flash floods. The MP appreciated the coordinated efforts of the district administration, Arunachal Pradesh Police, the Indian Air Force (IAF), the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), the local MLA, NGOs, volunteers and local residents for carrying out rescue operations, providing relief to the affected families and helping restore normalcy in the flood-hit areas. He also appealed to people to remain vigilant during the ongoing monsoon season and avoid unnecessary travel, particularly at night. Tagak urged the public to strictly follow advisories issued by district administrations in view of the prevailing adverse weather conditions. Reaffirming his support for the affected people of Keyi Panyor district, the Rajya Sabha member assured that he would continue extending all possible assistance to the flood-hit communities during the rehabilitation process, the officials added.